AS Monaco (3-2): The 4 lessons to be learned from the Monegasque elimination
After a first leg that ended in a parity score (1-1), AS Monaco was unable to find the resources to overcome PSV Eindhoven in the second leg (3-2 ). The proteges of Philippe Clément are therefore eliminated from the race for the Champions League.
This Tuesday evening, the ASM played for an entire nation. Unfortunately, this cruel disappointment did France a disservice. Before the match, France, fifth in the UEFA rankings (49,997 points), found themselves greatly threatened by the Netherlands, sixth (47,900 points).
As a result, all hopes of maintaining a certain lead over the Dutch were placed on the Monegasques. But Philippe Clément’s men unfortunately failed in their task. Fifth place is more than ever in jeopardy.
During the first round, the former FC Barcelona was relatively discreet. This Tuesday evening, we almost witnessed the same scenario. Dominated during the entire debate, the Batavians had a terrible time finding their star scorer.
But in the dying minutes, Luuk de Jong turned into a hero. The former FC Sevilla was the great architect of the revolt of his troops. The Dutchman is the decisive pass for the goal of the equalizer signed Erick Guttierez (89th). Then, he came to crucify the Monegasques with an angry header in extra time (109th), to snatch the qualification.
Certainly, the Monegasques deserved better. But at this stage, the slightest error is paid for in cash and the ASM in a good and good way pays the price. Eliminated from the race for the Champions League, the Rock club did not say goodbye to Europe this season. Indeed, Philippe Clément’s men are therefore directly transferred to the Europa League. Given the level of play displayed by the Asemists, there is still reason to hope.
They held this qualification the Monegasques! Led in the score, the players of the Principality had nevertheless achieved the hardest part by turning the tide. Sharp, successful, dominant, the ASM seemed untouchable during the second act.
But it was without counting on Erick Guttierez, who came to enslave a stab to the proteges of Philippe Clément at the very end of regulation time (89th) to snatch the equalizer. Furious, the Belgian technician’s assistant even received a red card. It was from this succession of events that Monaco finally said goodbye to the cup with the big ears. During extra time, the Monegasques sank. Former Barcelona Luuk de Jong came on to ruin qualification hopes with a powerful header. What a regret…